by Carol Leish

The topping choices are endless at Top This Chocolate! Start by choosing luscious dark, milk or white chocolate. Then, pick the nuts, fruit, candy, cookies and salty snacks that you want on your custom creation. Have your unique combination made into a bar, snacking squares or hearts. Fair Trade Certified non-GMO, glutton free couverture chocolate is used, which is made with 100% cocoa Butter, with no chemicals or partially hydrogenated.

Chocoholic owner, Shana Elson, wanted to follow her passion of baking, and making her creations with chocolate while still, initially, continuing her work as a real-estate lawyer. She said, “I was taking pastry and chocolatier classes on the weekends. I was also getting bored with the options that were available for my nightly chocolate fix. The lack of variety inspired me to innovate at home by experimenting with bold new topping combinations like coconut, banana chips and spicy mango.”

After the idea for Top This Chocolate was born, Elson attended USC Marshall School of Business to combine her confectionary expertise with real world business entrepreneurship. While at USC, she won $25,000 in seed money in the Women’s New Venture Pitch Competition. She said, “Even though I launched the idea in Los Angeles in 2014, by 2019 I had found the best location for the shop at the Ventura Harbor! Now, along with chocolate pouring from machines, like in the movie, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate,’ I’ve been able to fulfill my cravings and dreams. Thus, I’ve been able to, “Cover it with chocolate and a miracle or two (Candyman),” in order to have others be able to fulfill their cravings, too.

You can come in to order, or order online. Visit: www.topthischocolate.com; or, call: (805) 535-4167.

Lemon & Lei is a wonderful clean-living bath and body collection place created by Katie Adams, who is a native of Ventura County. She started Lemon & Lei after having her daughter, Leighton, who is now six years old.

Adams said, “After my daughter was born, I became more aware of the ingredients in baby products/lotions. I started using essential oils, and experienced with various organic ingredients. I was happy to be able to make a business out of what I had become passionate about. It allowed me to stay home with my daughter until she had started Kindergarten.”

Based on her own research, Adams was inspired to create a bath & body care line that is healthy for your skin, environmentally safe, with no harmful ingredients. “At Lemon & Lei,” according to Adams, “We understand how important proper skin care is because our skin is our protective cover and the first barrier to fight off illness and diseases. The difference between neglected and venerated skin is remarkable! The whole-body benefits when our skin doesn’t have to fight to perform its natural function. The results will have you hooked!” And, ‘Everything will be alright.’ (Splish, Splash).

Please come by the Ventura Harbor and/or visit the website at https//lemonandlei.com; or, call: (805) 535-4036.

Beethoven’s electric guitar

by Richard Newsham, VMF consultant

Beethoven unleashed a musical revolution when he began creating music tailored to the piano rather than the harpsichord.

Like Bob Dylan’s shocking move from acoustic to electric guitar, Beethoven—over a lifetime of composing 32 ground-breaking piano sonatas—totally remade the form for the modern instrument.

His imagination was sparked by the 1800s’ transformation of piano technology and design.

The piano had more keys for both bass and treble than the harpsichord and a sustaining pedal that “opened up fresh possibilities of resonance, dynamic range and attack.”

Beethoven’s “inner ear” conceived music that existed even beyond these technological advances—full of physical intensity that shocked his contemporaries to stark, inscrutable and montage-like pieces that compel 21^st century listeners to agree with Chuck Berry’s lyrics: “Roll over Beethoven, gotta hear it again today!”

And so VMF is celebrating his coming 250th birthday by presenting 10 sonatas in a cycle over 8 weeks.

Two “Virtually Yours” concert-programs introduced by VMF Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta will each feature two Beethoven sonatas performed by pianist Adam Golka, including the celebrated Appassionata and Pathetique.

VMF’s “Music Connects” digital series will roll out the remaining six sonatas – one per week, starting December 17 when Beethoven officially turns 250.

The celebrated pianist Adam Golka will also be interviewed and has created video commentaries for each sonata, featuring a leading physicist, poet, artist and the like on their unique relationship to the music.

“Virtually Yours” Dates & Times: Sundays at 4pm on 11/15 and 11/22.

Admission is free thanks to sponsor underwriting. Each program is viewable for one week. Reservations are required at VenturaMusicFestival.org. Registrants will be sent links to Zoom or other selected platform.

Lilly Duarte and Gina Salman of Cypress Place Senior Living present a Halloween banner thanking the staff at Victoria Care Center for all they do.

Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura has been providing a vibrant, caring environment for their residents since 2003 in a unique, home-like environment.

The beautiful senior living campus features an Active Senior Living community and adjacent Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care community connected by a lushly landscaped courtyard. Residents are given the chance to realize their dreams and reach new milestones, all within an environment with professional support and care at a time when they need it most.

“Home is the place we long for at the end of the day, the place that holds all we love and everything we cherish,” said Gina Salman, executive director of Cypress Place Senior Living. “We strive to honor that feeling of ‘being home’ every day here at Cypress Place.”

In addition to serving their residents, Cypress Place has a long history of giving back to the local community: whether it be collecting suitcases for kids in the foster care program, hosting an annual “Health & Wealth” expo geared towards seniors, creating a scholarship fund for local high school students wanting to pursue a college degree, hosting workshops on how to avoid senior scams, or honoring Veterans at their annual “Salute Our Veterans” event, the senior community is always looking to help.

Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus this year, and the subsequent stay-at-home orders, the senior community has had to cancel their annual “Health and Wealth” expo and “Salute Our Veterans” events for 2020.

But that hasn’t slowed the senior community from continuing to look for ways to reach out. Wanting to recognize healthcare partners in the county, Cypress Place recently delivered a decorated banner and Halloween treats for the nurses and staff at local skilled nursing Victoria Care Center.

“Victoria Care Center is one of our community partners that is truly on the front lines of protecting a very frail and at-risk population, said Salman. “The work they do is vital, and the challenges they face are enormous. “We wanted to do something for their staff, to show our appreciation.”

“We can’t thank Cypress Place enough for their sign of support for our nurses and staff,” said Ryan Goldbarg, administrator at Victoria Care Center. “The fact that they would take the time to support us is really a wonderful treat.”

Cypress Place has delivered other signs of support, including to local hospital partners, and continues to look to be a positive force in the community.

To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura, visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com, or call 805-650-8000.

To learn more about Victoria Care Center, visit their web site at victoriacarecenter.com, or call 805-642-1736.

Initially, Moorhouse had wanted to join the Air Force.

by Carol Leish

Jeff Moorhouse said that he learned how to fly since he had a lot of business across the western states that he needed to get to, along with many different conferences in various areas to go to. And, at first, he had to drive long distances to get to various places. Then, according to him, “I started flying for Angel Flight West, which I’ve been doing for over five years now, because I wanted more of a purpose of flying besides just flying to my own meetings and conferences.”

Initially, Moorhouse had wanted to join the Air Force. As his current career as a certified financial planner progressed over time, he began to take flying lessons on his own. After having flown as a student pilot, he became a private pilot. Now, he’s an instrument rated pilot with over 1,000 miles of flying.

“Everyday Angel Flight West is flying about 20 missions,” according to Moorhouse. “These missions deal with a variety of medical needs, which are mainly dealing with flying patients to their appointments dealing with cancer treatments. This includes flying women to get treatment for breast cancer treatments.” October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “We had just recently (mid-September), gotten back to flying patients to their medical appointments, because of restrictions due to COVID-19. In April, it had stopped since it was viewed as unsafe for the pilot and the patient to be in an enclosed area.”

“Angel Flight West, has been flying, almost on a daily basis, since March, PPE (personal protective equipment), to rural destinations and to underserved areas,” according to Moorhouse. “Also, we pick up blood, which is important for blood banks. This includes flying it to a processing center in San Bernardino. Processing and delivering blood are important for blood banks and rural communities since it takes time to process the blood. In fact, after the mudslides in Montecito, I flew blood from Oxnard to San Luis Obispo.”

“We love to fly, and we want to help,’ is one of the mottos of Angel Flight West. Their mission is: ‘Sometimes the road to health is a runway. If the care you need is far from home, Angel Flight West can help.” For further information, call (310) 390-2958; email: [email protected]; or, go to www.angelflightwest.org.

By Ivor Davis

I will be glad—no make that—overjoyed—when The Election is over.

I have been buried alive—and I’m not exaggerating– by a daily avalanche of beseeching political emails.

Others may be familiar with this particular nightmare?

Overwhelming is the daily bombardments of emails about leaky guts, toenail fungus, and now  assorted messages calling me “Dear Patriot” (I love tea—but am not too fond of ultra conservative Tea Party) plus a variety of big names who have begun to  assault me during this excessive and overheated political season.

We are in the midst of a huge—-and I mean huge—attack of the emails morning noon and in the middle of the night.  That ceaseless barrage  is relentless:   reprimanding—even scolding me — because I fail to respond to their non stop missives and exhortations during this election season.

While we all worry about coping with the coronavirus in this Twilight Zone of a  world we find ourselves living in,  it appears that many respected figures of the 21st century have found time to rap me on the knuckles.

“I am deeply disappointed in you Ivor” wrote former President Barack Obama. Today he followed up with, “Whatever you’ve done so far…it’s not enough.”

Even Michelle weighed in but with a more softer approach.

And it continues relentlessly. Barbra Streisand,  (who I could seldom get to agree to an interview during my Hollywood reporting days) along with Joni Mitchell, and assorted other member of showbiz crowd,  also took time out of their busy day to reiterate my abysmal failure to respond to their earlier emails. (Honestly, let me confess that even  in this era of CV, I’m not sitting at home twiddling my thumbs or stroking my overgrown beard.  I  have been very busy. Honestly.)

“Can we count on you Ivor,” they echo, as I stay up all night wondering why all of a sudden I have become such an important guy and why they need to count on little old me—tucked away in the comfort of Ventura– when there are 326 million others to badger!

As election day draws perilously closer, they have identified me as a much in demand political oracle.  It appears that pollsters and decision makers cannot go another day unless I weigh in. Flattering, of course, but until recently they never bothered to call or email or text. (Let’s not get into texts, please.) Or even send a birthday card.

Of course, I’m no dummy. After asking me about the Supreme Court nominee, or the fate of  Obamacare, or the best Greek island to go fishing– above all –it seems—(surprise, surprise) they want my money. Not millions like Mr. Bloomberg—but a mere $5—or maybe more.

I realize that I did blunder when I opened those donation gate emails and  contributed to selected political candidates of my choice.  Now everyone wants a slice of the Davis pie!

Full disclosure:   I have always voted Democrat.  But somehow the Republicans—also twigging to the fact  that I may be a man of wit, savoire faire and credit card, and possibly not realizing that I prefer Rachel Maddow to Judge Judy, or is it Judge Jeanine, and that I still think Fauci is a good guy, began targeting me. Indeed I confess, I did open the opposition emails, because my thinking was:  it’s always intriguing to see what the other side’s strategy is.

In an effort to end it all,  I just sent the Republican Party a firm note requesting that they cease and desist sending me their messages, and pointing out that after half a century of living and voting in the United States (after leaving Britain my country of birth) I– like my next door neighbor’s elderly Dalmatian— am not about to change my spots.

And yes, she has analyzed the Beatles’ handwriting.

by James Gray

When Sheila Lowe arrived from England at the end of 1963 she was a fourteen-year-old Beatlemaniac, writing stories about the Fab Four. Her school friends loved to read them, but they were a long way from the Forensic Handwriting suspense series she writes today. And even further from her Beyond the Veil paranormal suspense. But writing fiction is her ‘side hustle.’

More than fifty years ago as a senior at Anaheim High, Sheila got her start in the career that would last a lifetime. Her boyfriend’s mother had read some books about handwriting and personality and, wanting to see what kind of girl her son was dating, analyzed Sheila’s. The resulting insights instantly got her hooked, and as a shy teenager, her budding skills gave her an ‘in’ at parties, where she analyzed the handwriting of her friends and their dates. For the next ten years, she prowled the library and local bookstores for information, took formal courses, and eventually became certified in the field.

After practicing for nearly twenty years, Sheila got a call from an attorney who wanted her to testify in a forgery case that was going to court. When she protested that she didn’t know anything about forgeries, the attorney asked, “Do you know about handwriting?” When she said she certainly did, he talked her into testifying. The rest is now ancient history. Today, Sheila still does personality assessment with companies in the hiring process, as well as working with individuals, but she specializes in authenticating handwriting—forensic handwriting examination—and has testified as an expert witness in dozens of cases.

Upon moving from Valencia to Ventura in 2004, Sheila felt as though she had come home. She wanted to get involved in the community, but only knew two people, so right away, she joined the Ventura Chamber and the Ventura County Professional Women’s Network (VCPWN), where she soon was appointed to the board of directors and made some wonderful friends. Two of the fourteen years she spent as a member of the VCPWN board were as president.

Although it was her work in the field of handwriting that paid the bills, Sheila had always loved reading mysteries and wanted to publish one. When she heard coach Bill Osgood speak at a Chamber meeting about how to attain your BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), she hired him to help with hers. She had started writing her first book, Poison Pen, back in 1999, but had set it aside, unfinished. Then, in 2000, an unthinkable tragedy struck. Her twenty-seven year-old daughter, Jennifer, became the victim in a murder-suicide, killed by boyfriend, Tom, a federal agent. Ironically, at his request, Sheila had analyzed his handwriting and discovered red flags for potentially dangerous behavior. The three of them discussed the difficulties that might arise in the relationship, but Jennifer was too much in love to listen, and a few months later, they were both dead.

So, taking out the manuscript and finishing the book gave Sheila something else to think about when her mind was filled with sadness. For several years, she tried to get the book published, but it wasn’t until those coaching sessions with Bill Osgood that everything fell into place. Penguin picked up the first four books, and number eight, Dead Letters, will be released later in 2020. They’re all audiobooks, too. Sheila teaches an online course in handwriting analysis and has published six books about handwriting psychology. She has her own software, and when the media calls with a celebrity handwriting, is with an opinion. And yes, she has analyzed the Beatles’ handwriting.